Hearing Planned On Dog Complaints

MIDDLEFIELD — The first hearing under the town's vicious-dog ordinance will be today at 7 p.m. in the community center.

The hearing, to be conducted by David Chowaniec, the animal control officer, will determine whether an Akita owned by Philip Augeri of 26 Dwight Drive will be declared vicious.

First Selectman Charles Augur said the hearing was prompted by a series of written complaints about the dog submitted by several of Augeri's neighbors since the summer. Augur, who will attend the hearing, said the complainants contend the dog has ``intimidated people'' and attacked other dogs in the neighborhood.

Augeri, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday, will have an opportunity at the hearing to present evidence about his dog.

If the dog is determined to be vicious by the animal control officer, the owner would be required to keep the animal in a 6-foot-high enclosure when it is outside and have it leashed and muzzled when taken for a walk. The owner could be fined $99 for noncompliance with the requirements, and after a third violation the dog may be killed.